GeoSciences

 
Instructions to authors

1. The manuscripts must be sent to Editorial Office by e-mail (editable files in .doc, .docx or .odt format, plus complete preview version in PDF format) to the Scientific Editor or .
2. Simultaneously with the manuscript the Editorial Office must receive the author´s proclamation that no part of the manuscript was already published and figures and tables are original as well. Copied illustrations from other publications must contain a copyright. The articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Authors have the option to apply for other types of Creative Commons licenses.
3. The extent of the manuscript for publishing is limited to 40 manuscript pages (12 points Times New Roman font, line spacing 1.5) including figures, tables, explanations and references. In the case of contribution with a high scientific value, the longer manuscripts for publishing are exceptionally permitted. More extensive supplementary material can be published as an online annex if required.
4. Articles are published in English (preferably) or Slovak languages. The title, abstract, key words, graphical abstract, highlights, shortened text (resumé), as well as description to figures and tables in Slovak articles are published also in English. Articles published in English contain Slovak resumé.

Text

The format of the text and the reference list must correspond to the current format of the papers in the journal. The submitted manuscript must meet the following requirements:

1. The text of the manuscript must have continuously numbered lines.
2. The title at the beginning of the manuscript should be brief and informative.
3. The name and surname of the author(s) must be given together with affiliation(s) to the institutions and the address (city, country). The corresponding author must be properly marked and his/her e-mail address must be given. If the ORCID of the authors is also available, it should be provided.
4. The Highlights section in the beginning of the manuscript and in the conclusions at the end of the paper, must clearly declare main results and importance for the Earth sciences.
5. Abstract briefly summarizing the manuscript is limited to 200 words, no references are allowed. The maximum number of key words is 6.
6. The text must be structured as follows: the introduction, characterization (state) of investigated problem, applied methodology, obtained new findings (results), interpretation, discussion, conclusion, acknowledgements and references. The obtained data must be distinctly separated from interpretations. All applied figures and tables must be referred in the text.
7. A maximum of 3 hierarchical levels of headings may be used in the text.
8. In the case of references in the text the parentheses are preferred, e.g. (DubcÁk, 1987; Hrubý et al., 1988). The form "according to DubcÁk (1987)" should be used only exceptionally.
9. We recommend submitting the manuscript with figures inserted in the text or at the end of the manuscript.
10. Valid SI units ought to be used in the text, preferably, e.g. s (second, not sec), m (metre), kg (kilogram). Where justified, other units used in the literature may be used and their equivalent in SI units may be given in brackets, e.g. 3 kbar (300 MPa or 0.3 GPa), 30 kt or 30 000 t (3.10⁷ kg), 800 K (527 °C), 4.26 Ã… (4.26 . 10^-10 m).
11. Only mineral names officially approved by the Commission for New Minerals and nomenclature approved by the International Mineralogical Association (CNMNC IMA) may be used in the text. A list of these (updated every two months) is available at https://cnmnc.units.it/ (IMA-CNMNC List of Mineral Names). Also, only recommended mineral abbreviations may be used (Updated list of IMA-CNMNC mineral symbols). If the authors have a chemical analysis of the mineral, its full valid name should be written, e.g. fluorapatite (not apatite), monazite-(Ce) (not monazite). Incomplete mineral names (e.g. apatite, monazite) may be used in the petrographic description of the rocks or the name of the method (e.g. monazite dating). The use of isomorphic mineral series names established in the geological literature (e.g., biotite, zinnwaldite, olivine) or mineral group names (e.g., garnets, tourmalines, amphiboles, spinels) is accepted. It is recommended to contact the Editorial Board in unclear cases.

Figures and tables

1. The high-quality figures and tables can be published either in maximum width of column (81 mm) or page (170 mm). The optimum size of letters and numbers in the printed figure is 2 mm. Manuscripts published in Slovak contain the Slovak descriptions in figures and tables, the tables headings and descriptions beneath figures and tables are in Slovak and English. English manuscripts contain all texts in English. Maximum dimension of figures and tables in the journal is 170 x 230 mm. Larger (folded) illustrations are published only exceptionally.
2. Illustrations including photographs must contain graphic (metric) scale, eventually the dimensions of visualized objects have to be stated in the describing text to figure. Maps and profiles must contain also the azimuth orientation; their unified explanations are stated at the first figure. Grouped figures, e.g. photographs and diagrams, are compiled as one figure with separate parts designated by letters (a, b, c, etc.).
3. Illustrations, maps and photographs must be saved in JPG, PNG or TIFF formats with a resolution of at least 600 dpi, vector graphics in EPS, PDF, AI or COR formats.

The editors reserve the right to return illustrations to the author for correction after language editing, or to request their replacement with illustrations of the required quality.

References

The list of references used must include only published or accepted works. Single-authored works are listed alphabetically by the surname of the author of each work. For two authors, the works are listed alphabetically first by the surname of the first author, then by the surname of the co-author, and then chronologically. For more than two authors, the works are listed alphabetically only by the surname of the first author, then chronologically. If a publication has a DOI, it is always listed after the citation page number in the form https://doi.org/number.

1. References examples:

 
Book: Gazda, L. & Cech, M., 1988: Paleozoic of the Medzev nappe. Alfa, Bratislava, 155 pp.

 
Journal: HÓk, J. & OlŠavský, M., 2023: Vernaricum - regional distribution, lithostratigraphy, tectonics and paleogeography. Mineralia Slovaca, 55, 1, 3 - 12. https://doi.org/10.56623/ms.2023.55.1.1.

 
Proceedings contribution: NÁvesný, D., 1987: High-potassium rhyolites. In: Romanov, V. (ed.): Stratiform deposits of Gemericum. Spec. publ. Slov. geol. soc., KoŠice, 203 - 215.

 
Manuscript: Radvanský, F., Slivka, B., Viktor, J. & Srnka, T., 1985: Vein deposits of the Jedlovec nappe of Gemericum. Final report from the project SGR-geophysics. Manuscript. Archive of St. Geol. Inst. of D. Štúr, SpiŠskÁ NovÁ Ves, 28 pp.

2. The work with more than two authors is referred by the name of the first author with the amendment et al., but the list of references contains names of all authors.

Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement

(In compliance with the principles stated by Elsevier and the COPE - Commission for Publication Ethics.)

The peer-reviewed geoscientific journal Mineralia Slovaca, publishing original papers, and exceptionally also review papers in the case of their high scientific value, is issued by the State Geological Institute of Dionýz Štúr (ŠGÚDŠ Publishers), Slovakia. Mineralia Slovaca is an open-source journal - published papers are freely downloadable from the web site of the journal in the form of the full-text pdf files.

The journal strictly follows the ethical standards cogent for all parties involved in the publishing process: the authors, the journal editors, the peer reviewers, the publisher and the geoscientific society. The State Geological Institute of Dionýz Štúr (ŠGÚDŠ Publishers) takes its duties of the guardianship over all stages of the publishing and publication ethics very seriously.

Publication and authorship

Publishing papers in the journal Mineralia Slovaca is a reflection of the scientific creativity of the authors and institutions supporting their research. By submitting a manuscript for publishing authors express their agreement upon standards of ethical behaviour valid in Mineralia Slovaca, which fully correspond with the principles stated by Elsevier and the Commission for Publication Ethics (COPE).

The authorship of the paper is limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, as well as obtaining of primary data, realization of investigation, and/or interpretation of results. All those who have made significant contributions should be listed as co-authors. If there are others who have participated in certain substantive aspects of the research project, they should be acknowledged or listed as contributors. The first author in the list of authors ensures that all co-authors are included in the paper, and that all co-authors have seen and approved the final version of the paper and have agreed to its publication.

Published papers must have clearly stated who has funded research leading to results which are reported in the paper. In the journal Mineralia Slovaca it is usually stated in Acknowledgement at the end of the paper.

When submitting their manuscript, the authors should disclose any financial or other substantive conflicts of interest that might influence the results or interpretation stated in their manuscript. The potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed at the earliest possible stage of the publication process.

Authors of papers, summarizing the results of original research, should present an accurate account of the work performed, as well as objective discussion of its significance. A paper should contain sufficient details and references to permit others to replicate the research steps.

The original papers, as well as in the journal exceptionally published review papers, should be accurate and objective in provided information. The plagiarism, fraudulent data or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behaviour and are unacceptable. Authors may be asked by editors to provide the primary raw data in connection with a manuscript submitted for editorial review. Even after publishing the authors are demanded to retain such data for a reasonable time due to the eventual later accusation of plagiarism or unethical behaviour, and the need of appropriate defence of the data existence and truthfulness.

The authors should ensure by a written statement that they have submitted for publishing the results of their own original research, and if used the work and/or words of others, this has been correctly cited and occurs in the list of references. The plagiarism in all its forms constitutes unethical behaviour and is unacceptable.

Authors should not publish manuscripts describing essentially the same research in more than one journal or primary publication. Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal concurrently constitutes unethical behaviour and is unacceptable. If some already published principal data are provided again in the manuscript, the primary authors and editors concerned must agree with their implementation in the second publication. The primary reference must be quoted properly in this secondary publication.

The criticism of other published work can be published, unless Editors have convincing reasons why it cannot be. Studies that challenge previous work published in this or other journals should be given by a sympathetic way. Editors should seek a response from those being criticized. Authors of criticised material will have given an opportunity to respond. Studies reporting negative results are also allowed.

There is strictly emphasized that the authors' copies of the paper, being distributed to authors' colleagues or elsewhere (open-source journal), must be distributed as they occur in the journal unless any modifications or corrections are added.

Authors' responsibilities

In the case of several authors of the manuscript, it is expected that they all have significantly contributed to the primary research. The prompt communication of authors with the editor(s) and after publishing of the paper the communication of authors with the geoscientific community are guaranteed by the corresponding author. It is not inevitable that the corresponding author is the first author of the paper, though he/she has to be delegated to this position by the first author of the paper. In the peer review process there is requested the participation of all authors, though communication with editor(s) provides the corresponding author.

The declaration that all data in the article are real and authentic is signed by the first author of submitted manuscript with his personal guarantee of contribution of all authors.

If the research which results are reported in the manuscript involved chemicals, procedures or equipment that have any hazards inherent in their use, the author(s) must clearly identify these in the manuscript.

All authors are obliged to participate in the peer review process and provide retractions or corrections of mistakes appearing during the editorial processing of the prepared paper.

When an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in his/her work being already published, it is the author's obligation to promptly notify the journal editor or publisher and to cooperate in retraction or correction of the paper, applying the Errata. If the editor or the publisher learns from a third party that a published work contains a significant error, it is the obligation of the author to promptly correct the paper and send Errata for publishing, or to provide evidence to the editor about the correctness of the original paper.

Reviewers' responsibilities

The main role of reviewers is to contribute to the decision-making process, and to assist in improving the quality of the published paper by reviewing the manuscript objectively, in a timely manner.

Each manuscript received for review is treated as a confidential document. The editor and any editorial staff must not disclose any information about a submitted manuscript to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, other editorial advisers, and the publisher, as appropriate. The manuscript will be forwarded to two reviewers, which will remain confidential for authors all the time. The only exception is if reviewer wishes to be known. Selection of appropriate reviewers is done by the Scientific Editor of the journal, or on his request by appropriate members of Editorial Board, being experts in submitted specialized scientific topic. Besides above mentioned, the reviewed manuscript must not be shown to or discussed with others, except those authorized by the Scientific Editor. There is incurred utmost effort for the objectiveness of the reviews. The reviewers should have no conflict of interest with respect to the research performed, the authors and/or the research funders.

Any selected reviewer, who feels unqualified to review particular research, reported in a manuscript or knows that its prompt review submission will be impossible, should notify the editor and excuse himself from the review process.

Unpublished materials disclosed in a submitted manuscript must not be used in a reviewer's own research without the written consent of the author. Privileged information or ideas obtained through peer the review must kept confidential and not use for personal advantage.

Personal criticism of the author by any reviewer is inappropriate. Reviewers should express their views clearly with supporting arguments, as well as to point out relevant published work(s) if missing in the manuscript.

In the case of objections of author(s) against some statements in the reviews, Mineralia Slovaca has developed mechanism for authors to appeal against the particular reviewer or Editorial decisions. It allows authors to write their objections and send them to Scientific Editor of the journal. The final decision about acceptance of an objection will depend on his assessment of arguments of both sides, or it will be forwarded to judgement for appropriate members of the Editorial Board, being experts in discussed scientific topic.

Editorial responsibilities

Editors constantly improve the journal by ensuring the quality of material published and maintaining a high standard of scientific integrity. No commercial needs can be reflected in the papers published in the journal.

Editors have complete responsibility and authority to reject/accept manuscript for publishing. This decision must be based on a high certainty on the importance, originality, and clarity of the manuscript, and the study's relevance to the scope of the journal. There is strictly requested that the editors should have no conflict of interests with respect to manuscripts they reject/accept.

Editors are requested to preserve anonymity of reviewers and to respond promptly to complaints. Editors are willing to publish corrections, clarifications, retractions and apologies when needed.

Editors have a duty to act if they suspect misconduct. This duty extends to both published and unpublished papers. Whenever it is recognized that significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distorted report have been published, it must be corrected promptly and with due prominence. In the case when after an appropriate investigation an item proves to be fraudulent, it should be retracted. The retraction should be clearly identifiable to readers and indexing systems.

The relationship of particular editors to ŠGÚDŠ Publishers, issuing the journal Mineralia Slovaca, is based on the principle of editorial independence. Editors make decisions about appropriateness of publishing of articles exclusively on quality and the scientific topic, being adequate with the scientific content of this journal.

Publishing ethics issues

The ŠGÚDŠ Publishers, issuing the journal Mineralia Slovaca, ensure that good practices are maintained to the standards outlined above. The monitoring and safeguarding of the publishing ethics is the utmost duty of the Mineralia Slovaca Editorial Board and the ŠGÚDŠ Publishers. Both make every effort to maintain the integrity of academic record and preclude the business needs from compromising the intellectual and ethical standards.

Articles are considered and accepted solely on their academic merit and without commercial influence. The maximum effort is given to restrain plagiarism and fraudulent data.

Misconduct and unethical behaviour may be identified and brought to the attention of the editors and the ŠGÚDŠ Publisher at any time and by anyone. Whoever informs the editor or Publisher of such conduct, he/she should provide sufficient information and evidence in order the investigation to be initiated. All allegations will be taken seriously and treated in the same way, until a successful decision or conclusion is reached.

Minor misconduct can be solved without the need to consult more widely. In any event, the author should be given the opportunity to respond to any allegation. Serious misconduct is solved by (1) informing the author or reviewer where there appears to be a misunderstanding or misapplication of acceptable standards. (2) A more strongly worded letter to the author or reviewer covering the misconduct warns to such behaviour in the future. (3) Publication of a formal notice detailing the misconduct. (4) Publication of an Editorial, detailing the misconduct. (5) Formal retraction or withdrawal of a paper from the journal, in conjunction with informing Abstracting & Indexing Services and the readership of the publication. (6) Imposition of a formal embargo on contributions from an individual author for a defined period.